New tender for central Barangaroo

NSW Premier Mike Baird today announced the new tender process for Central Barangaroo to incorporate the exciting addition of an underground station as part of the Sydney Metro project.

Central Barangaroo is the final section of the precinct to be designed, and will provide the link between the natural beauty of Barangaroo Reserve in the north to the new financial, retail and residential hub of Barangaroo South.

“The inclusion of a Sydney Metro station demands a bold design – we are inviting the world’s-best to deliver a project of global significance for Sydney,” Mr Baird said.

“Central Barangaroo will be the stepping-off point for thousands of workers and visitors every day but we want to ensure it is a dynamic destination in its own right, while maintaining the green open parkland and cultural space always envisaged for this part of the precinct.”

In announcing the Barangaroo metro station in this year’s Budget, the government said it would undertake a new tender informed by the recommendations of an expert working group. The new tender will:

• Preserve more than half of Central Barangaroo as public domain;
• Maintain the existing development footprint and be consistent with the principles of the Master Plan for Central Barangaroo prepared by US firm, Skidmore Owings & Merrill;
• Encourage bidders to explore below-ground opportunities that make best use of the metro station;
• Consider world-class proposals for the development of no more than 150,000m² of above-ground gross floor area; and

Maintain other elements of the Central Barangaroo design including:

• Wulugul Walk, the continuous 30m-wide public foreshore that connects all of Barangaroo
• A network of laneways ensuring pedestrian and vehicular accessibility
• A commitment to provision of civic, community and cultural spaces
• The Sydney Steps
• Preservation of views from Observatory Hill to the horizon and the harbour.

The successful proposal will be subject to strict design assessment and planning controls. More information on the bid process is available at www.barangaroo.com.